From Beaches to History: Things to Do in Waterford, CT
Waterford, Connecticut, may be a small town, but it’s brimming with charm and unique activities that make it a hidden gem along the Long Island Sound. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to relax by the water, Waterford has something for everyone. From scenic parks and beautiful beaches to fascinating museums and local eateries, this coastal town offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.
Harkness Memorial State park

Harkness Memorial State Park is a great place to enjoy the Connecticut shoreline. This park has a little bit of everything. It has water views, a beach, a historic mansion, and various gardens to explore. It’s also a great spot for bird watching.
Seaside State Park

Seaside State Park is a park located on the coast of Waterford. This park offers beautiful coastal views, and it’s one of the best spots to catch a sunset in southeastern Connecticut. However, the real points of interest are the old buildings from what was once Seaside Sanatorium, which opened in the 1930s and closed in 1997. Seaside was added to the National Historic Register in 1996 and it became a state park in 2014.
Jordan Mill Park

Jordan Mill Park is tucked away and it’s a bit of a hidden gem. This park is situated at the site of the old Jordan Grist Mill, which operated from 1737 to 1918. Additionally, this park features some hiking trails along the Jordan River. The parking area is off of Trumbull Road in Governor’s Landing. It will look like someone’s driveway, but I promise, there’s a parking area for the park.
Waterford Beach Park

Waterford Beach Park is home to my personal favorite beach on the Connecticut shoreline. This park is not far from Harkness Memorial State Park. It’s a great spot to get outside and enjoy the shoreline and it’s also a great spot for birding.
Waterford Historical Society

The Waterford Historical Society is a great place to visit even if you’re interested in historic buildings. There are various buildings to see on the property, some of which are on the National Historic Register. The buildings are sometimes open for events. The best way to check for upcoming events is by checking their Facebook page.
Grab A Bite To Eat At The Dock Restaurant

The Dock is a seasonal restaurant that’s located along the Niantic River. It is a great spot to grab a bite to eat while enjoying some water views. My family loves coming here for seafood and to watch the boats on the Niantic River.
Grab A Bite To Eat At The Fat Tuna

Not far from The Dock Restaurant is The Fat Tuna restaurant. This is pricier than The Dock, but the food is delicious. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, and while it’s not right on the river like The Dock, you can see the river if you’re out on the deck. This is a great spot to get seafood.
Civic Triangle Park

This park is located between Boston Post Road and Rope Ferry Road. The area where Duck Pond is was recently redone and it features a beautiful walking path around the pond. Other features of this park are a gazebo, playground, and skate park.
Stenger Farm Park

This park has an interesting history. It was bought by Nicolas Stenger, who owned a popular drug store in NYC. He invented a popular tonic medicine that was advertised as “the greatest cure on earth for all diseases.” This tonic was brewed on the Stenger Farm property. In 1979, the town of Waterford bought the park and today it features hiking trails as well as some spots for picnicking by the pond.
Cowlick’s Creamery

This seasonal ice cream spot serves up Hershey’s ice cream. It’s a very family-friendly spot and there are plenty of things to keep children entertained outside. This ice cream shop serves up some really fun milkshakes and ice cream sundaes! It’s a great spot to visit in the warmer months.
Wow, I had no clue about this town. Next time I am in the area I will definitely make a stop. Thanks for highlighting!
It’s definitely worth visiting!!
Connecticut is one state I’ve never visited, but these spots all look beautiful so I might need to add it to the list!
Connecticut has a lot of beauty around the whole state. It’s definitely worth a visit!
We have only driven through Connecticut. I would love to go back and spend some time exploring. Thanks for sharing this information.
I feel like that’s the case for a lot of people! Connecticut is definitely worth a visit if you get the chance 🙂